Best 3 Easy Green Salad Recipes

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The task of creating a refreshing yet delicious salad can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. With the right combination of ingredients, you can easily whip up a vibrant and flavorful side dish or main course. Green salads are not only easy to prepare but also provide a fantastic way to incorporate a variety of healthy ingredients into your diet. Whether you're a seasoned salad maker or just starting out, this article will guide you through the process of creating an easy green salad that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied.

Let's cook with our recipes!

EASY COLD GREEN BEAN SALAD



Easy Cold Green Bean Salad image

What makes this cold green bean salad so good is that the beans marinate while they are still warm--that way the beans soak up the vinaigrette and become more flavorful.

Provided by barbara

Categories     Salad     Vegetable Salad Recipes     Green Bean Salad Recipes

Time 1h20m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
½ cup balsamic vinegar
⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 small sweet onion, thinly sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
freshly ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot with lightly salted water to a boil over high heat. Add beans and cook, uncovered, until soft but still firm to the bite, 7 to 10 minutes. Check often so beans don't overcook.
  • Combine vinegar, olive oil, onion, garlic, parsley, sugar, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
  • Drain cooked green beans and mix with dressing in the bowl while still warm. Allow to marinate at room temperature for at least 1 hour. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 180.2 calories, Carbohydrate 15.9 g, Fat 12.7 g, Fiber 5.4 g, Protein 3 g, SaturatedFat 1.8 g, Sodium 402.6 mg, Sugar 6.3 g

EASY GREEN MANGO SALAD



Easy Green Mango Salad image

This salad is low in calories and fat but has loads of vibrant flavor. Pair it with your favorite protein.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Salad Recipes

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, plus more to taste
2 tablespoons fish sauce, plus more to taste
1 teaspoon sugar, plus more to taste
2 green mangoes, peeled, pitted, and cut into thin strips
3 scallions, very thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
2 tablespoons chopped peanuts
1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar until sugar dissolves. Add mangoes, scallions, cilantro, and mint and toss to coat. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar as desired. Top with chopped peanuts and red-pepper flakes.

Nutrition Facts : Fiber 3 g

EAT YOUR BEANS! EASY FRESH GREEN BEAN SALAD



Eat Your Beans! Easy Fresh Green Bean Salad image

A handy little recipe that I adapted from a pretty generic looking Mexican cookbook that I have. The original recipe calls for feta cheese, so that's an option if you eat dairy. I think it's a great dish without the cheese but also plan to incorporate Recipe #364732 into it next time. Great way to use fresh beans from your garden, they are the star of the dish!

Provided by magpie diner

Categories     Vegetable

Time 25m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

3/4 lb fresh green beans, topped and tailed
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or sub your favourite fruit vinegar)
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 fresh garlic clove (optional)
1/2 red onion, diced
3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
2 red radishes, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped well (or sub 1/2 tsp dried)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered (or halved)
sea salt
black pepper

Steps:

  • Bring about 2 inches of water to boil in the bottom of a steamer. Add the beans to the top part, cover and let steam until tender but still firm (about 4-5 minutes). You really want to retain their crispness. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. You could also dunk them into a ice water bath. Drain well and pat dry.
  • While the beans cook, whisk together the vinegar, olive oil, mustard and garlic and season to taste with S&P. (If using feta you likely won't want any salt).
  • Place the cooled beans into a bowl with the onions, cilantro, radish slices, oregano and toss together with the dressing. Adjust seasoning.
  • Transfer to a serving platter. Surround the beans with the tomato wedges for garnish. Chill until ready to serve.

Tips:

  • Use a variety of greens: Don't limit yourself to just one type of green. Mix and match different kinds, such as romaine, spinach, arugula, and kale, to create a salad that's both visually appealing and packed with nutrients.
  • Add some color: Vegetables and fruits are a great way to add a pop of color and flavor to your salad. Try adding cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, bell peppers, or strawberries.
  • Don't forget the protein: Protein is an important part of a balanced meal, and it can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied. Add some grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or beans to your salad.
  • Choose a healthy dressing: The dressing is what can make or break a salad. Avoid dressings that are high in fat and calories. Instead, opt for a light vinaigrette or a dressing made with yogurt or olive oil.
  • Make it a meal: A salad can be a meal on its own, or it can be served as a side dish. If you're making it a meal, add some whole grains, such as quinoa or brown rice, or some healthy fats, such as avocado or nuts.

Conclusion:

Green salads are a healthy and delicious way to get your daily dose of fruits, vegetables, and protein. With a little creativity, you can create a salad that's both visually appealing and packed with flavor. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, try one of these green salad recipes.

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